Professional Advisors

The Estate Planning Team

At the Law Offices of Mark T. Blake, we work closely with other professional advisors, including Certified Financial Planners, Investment Advisors, Financial Consultants, Insurance Professionals, Certified Public Accountants, and Tax Advisors. We believe the team approach provides our clients with the most sophisticated, comprehensive, and effective estate planning possible. To that end, we encourage our clients to invite their Professional Advisors into the estate planning processes.  Moreover, once involved, we strive to keep you informed and involved at all stages of the estate planning process.

THE PROCESS

Step One:

The Initial Consultation:  We offer all prospective estate planning clients a complimentary initial consultation. With the clients’ permission, we encourage you to attend this initial consultation as well. If this cannot be arranged, we will seek the clients’ permission to discuss their estate planning with you afterward.

During this first meeting, Mark will spend approximately an hour with your clients. After listening to your clients’ needs, plans and goals, Mark will generally make some estate planning recommendations. If the situation is complex, he will ask for a follow-up meeting to present a summary and specific recommendations.

After making his recommendations, Mark will usually quote a flat fee for design, drafting and implementation of the plans. Your clients may then choose to engage Mark by signing an engagement letter; or they may choose to take some time to reflect before moving ahead.

Step Two:

Signing the Documents:  Should your clients choose to engage Mark, a follow-up meeting to sign documents and begin implementation of the plan will be scheduled … normally within a week to ten days. This meeting may be quite lengthy as Mark will thoroughly explain the planning documents to your clients, and to their family members if necessary.  He also will explain the trust funding process and provide written funding instructions– whether your clients choose to engage our firm in this process, or prefer to complete the process themselves, or with your assistance.

Step Three, Follow-Up:

We have an extensive follow-up system, which we believe helps build stronger client relationships. Each of our clients will receive a follow-up letter after their plan is complete, and a client satisfaction survey.  Mark often sends newsletters or follow-up correspondence.  Through the newsletter, Mark attempts to keep his clients informed of changes that could affect their planning, and to help them maintain an awareness of their estate planning goals. In this manner we hope to ensure that our clients’ plans are never out-of-date with their current needs and goals. Every two years they will receive a personal letter encouraging them to come in to review their plans and make any necessary changes.

Joint Marketing:

We are happy to work with you on speaking to your clients or prospects on estate planning issues, including basic estate planning or other advanced topics.  Please call the office if you would like to plan a workshop.

Please contact Mark Blake at 925.933.9047 regarding Joint Marketing